How to Use Preply in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
AI-enhanced language tutoring marketplace with 32,000+ native-speaker tutors — AI suggests ideal tutor matches, tracks progress, and prepares custom lesson curricula.
Preply is a language tutoring marketplace that connects learners with 32,000+ verified human tutors for personalized, 1-on-1 language instruction. AI enhances the platform: it matches learners with optimal tutors, tracks learning progress, and helps tutors create customized lesson plans.
AI Tutor Matching
Preply's matching algorithm analyzes learner goals, current level, learning style preferences, scheduling constraints, and budget — then surfaces the best-fit tutors from its network. Tutor profiles include video introductions, credentials, teaching methodology, and hundreds of student reviews.
The system prioritizes outcome-relevant factors: a learner preparing for a job interview in Spanish needs a different tutor than someone wanting casual conversational practice or preparing for the DELE exam.
50+ Languages
Preply covers 50+ languages. Most widely studied: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Uncommon languages (Catalan, Swahili, Persian, Greek, Turkish) are also available with verified native speakers.
Structured Progress Tracking
Preply's dashboard tracks lessons completed, vocabulary studied, pronunciation improvements, and goal progress. AI generates a learning trajectory and flags when the pace is on or off track for stated goals.
Business English and Certification Prep
Popular use cases: Business English for corporate professionals, exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, HSK), and academic language requirements. Tutors specialize by these goals, and the matching system surfaces specialists.
Group Classes
In addition to 1-on-1 tutoring, Preply offers group classes for cost-effective practice. Group sessions at fixed times, typically $10-$15 per class.
Pricing
Tutors set their own rates: $5-$150/hour. Average is approximately $15-$25/hour for most popular languages. Subscription plans bundle lesson credits at a discount.
What You'll Need
- A Preply account (starting from $15/mo)
- A modern web browser or the Preply app
- Payment method for paid features
Getting Started
Create Your Account
Visit https://preply.com and sign up for a subscription account. You'll need an email address to register.
Start Your First Conversation
Once logged in, you'll see the main chat interface. Type a question or task in the input box and press Enter. Preply supports human-tutoring, ai-matching, 50-languages, progress-tracking, exam-preparation, group-classes — start with a simple text prompt to get familiar.
Pro Tips
- Be specific: The more context you provide, the better the response. Instead of "write an email," try "write a professional follow-up email to a client who hasn't responded in two weeks."
- Iterate: If you don't get what you need, ask for clarification or refinement: "Make it shorter" or "Use a more formal tone."
- Use examples: Show Preply what format you want by including an example in your prompt.
- Save useful conversations: Most platforms let you name and revisit conversations — organize by project or topic.
Common Use Cases
Language Learning
Chatbots that help users practice and learn new languages through conversation and exercises.
Browse Language Learning chatbots →Education & Learning
Chatbots designed to teach, tutor, and explain concepts across academic subjects.
Browse Education & Learning chatbots →Troubleshooting
- Responses seem generic or unhelpful
- Add more context to your prompt. Specify the audience, tone, length, and format you need. Try starting over with a clearer description of your goal.
- The tool isn't responding or is slow
- AI chatbots can experience high traffic. Refresh the page and try again. Check the service's status page if issues persist.
- Output is too long or too short
- Explicitly specify the length: "in 100 words," "as a brief summary," or "in detail with examples."
Get Weekly Chatbot Tips
Not sure which AI tool is right for you? Our newsletter covers reviews, tutorials, and comparisons weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Preply free to use?
- Preply requires a paid subscription, starting from $15/mo.
- Do I need an account to use Preply?
- Yes, you need to create an account to use Preply.
- What can I use Preply for?
- AI-enhanced language tutoring marketplace with 32,000+ native-speaker tutors — AI suggests ideal tutor matches, tracks progress, and prepares custom lesson curricula.
Related Guides
Know a tool we're missing? Submit it free →